Judge — August 22, 1903 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political cartoon from Judge magazine (August 22, 1903) depicting Uncle Sam as a baseball batter about to strike. The caption reads: "Uncle Sam—'Remember, John: three strikes are out!'" The cartoon appears to reference labor disputes or strikes during the early 1900s, a period of significant industrial unrest in America. Uncle Sam warns "John" (likely representing a labor leader or worker) that he's already taken two strikes and a third will result in being "out"—meaning disqualification or defeat. The baseball metaphor suggests the cartoonist is warning against continued labor actions, presenting them as a threat to American stability. The "Champion" flag visible in the background suggests national interest is at stake. The satire advocates for restraint in labor organizing.